A new chapter begins: Plans for 2023
Happy New Year everyone!! 2023 marks the beginning of a new chapter as I start the year as a published author for the first time. Come and see what I have planned over the next 12 months and where I’ll be focusing my efforts for this next phase of my writing journey. →
The beginning of a new chapter
Happy New Year everyone!! Somehow we’re almost a month into 2023 already, and after several weeks of relaxing it’s time for me to get my head into the game for the year ahead. After all, I do have quite a bit planned. But it’s also worth taking a moment to acknowledge that 2023 feels a little bit different for me, as it’s the first new year where I’ve started out as a published author. A new chapter, indeed!
I’d also like to thank you for your continued interest and support. I’ve come a long way from that newbie blogger of 2017: I’ve written multiple drafts, established my own publishing business, started an author newsletter, published my first book, and much, much more. While a lot of things have changed, one thing that remains the same is how I appreciate each and every person who has had a hand in my journey to date. And this journey is only going to get bigger and better from here. So let’s take a look at my plans for 2023, shall we?
My goals for the year
A big focus for me in 2023 will be on finding a new balance. Last year was super busy, so I’d like to make space for developing some healthier habits (e.g. getting back into an exercise routine) and also taking myself on a proper holiday. On the writing and reading front I still have quite a bit planned, though, and here’s what I’m aiming to accomplish over the next ~11 months…
Finish beta reading process for First the Song. I sent out the draft of First the Song (Graceborn #2) to my beta readers last year and plan to have that process wrapped up by April 2023. This will give me a chance to incorporate any flow-on changes into the next draft of book 1 before that’s finished (see below). I’m loving the feedback I’ve received so far, and this goal is definitely on track!
Write the third draft of Blood of Old. I have just started to work on draft three of Blood of Old (Graceborn #1). I would love to get this completed by roughly the middle of the year, but we’ll see how it goes. It’s a ~200k word beast, and I’m by no means a fast writer, so I don’t want to wear myself out too quickly.
Second round of beta reading for Blood of Old. Once the third draft of this book is completed, I will likely put it through another round of beta reading. While this is subject to change, I think the story will benefit from having more betas due to the scope and complexity of the series. Keep an eye out!
Start the first draft of Graceborn #3. Yes, it will be a big year for my fantasy series! I intend to start work on Graceborn #3 later in 2023. How far I get will depend on how long I end up having, but I’m hopeful I can get a sizeable chunk written. I might even use it as a NaNoWriMo project in November!
Explore marketing opportunities for Holding Up the Sky. Now that my contemporary YA novel Holding Up the Sky has been out for a few months, my next step is looking for new marketing / promotional opportunities. This includes, but is not limited to, getting the book into some physical bookstores here in Melbourne!
Create content about my indie author experience. I’d love to create and publish some content about my indie author experience this, in particular the self-publishing pathway from an Australian perspective. I’m not quite sure what this will look like just yet, or even whether I’ll use this platform or my publishing imprint Southscript Press. We’ll see!
Read at least 20 books. I’ve lowered my goal again for the 2023 Goodreads challenge since I haven’t hit my target for the last two years. I’m not too fussed about this one, actually, but it’s nice to have something to aim for. My reading habits suffered while I worked towards publishing my first book, so hopefully I can turn that back around soon.
What are your goals for 2023? Are you starting a new chapter or finishing off an old one? Is there something specific you want to focus on this year?
Rebecca Alasdair
I'm an Australian indie author who hoards books, loves dogs and coffee, and has a tendency of staying up all night!
11 Comments
Alex
Go Rebecca!
That is so rad! So wonderful that you’re a published author 🙂 I started reading your book today! I really love how vivid the book is. And, I LOVE your prose! You are awesome.
Always happy to support you! Go Rebecca!
Excited for you in regards to beta reading! I’m sure First the Song is great and it’ll be even greater after beta reading 🙂
You’ll write a great draft of Blood of Old.
And Blood of Old will be even better after beta reading. You’ll continue doing awesome :).
Best wishes with Graceborn! You’ll do wonderful :).
All the best with marketing! You got this.
I’m stoked to read about your indie author perspective :). Excited to hear your thoughts.
And you will succeed in your reading goal! I believe in ya.
My 2023 goals are to enjoy life more and I also hope to finish my fanfiction and superhero short story. I also plan to learn more about the craft and aim to get more clarity about my writing goals. I also am hoping to read at least 15 prose books (I read about 12 last year, I think; the majority of what I read last year were graphic novels).
Rebecca Alasdair
Clear goals are so helpful, but that goal of enjoying life is the best one of all!! I hope you have a great year.
Thanks for your continued interest and support; I hope you enjoy HOLDING UP THE SKY!! 😊💜
Alex
🙂 🙂 Thanks, I hope I succeed in my goals. I hope you have a wonderful year also! Best wishes.
Aw you’re welcome! I’m enjoying it a lot! You do such a nice job writing from Carter’s POV! Carter and Remy are great characters. Stoked to read on! :).
Alex
I read quite a bit of Holding Up The Sky tonight – about 50 pages. It is so good. I’m deeply moved. Kudos, friend! Nice work.
Andrew McDowell
I’m aiming to be more positive about myself and my writing, and I want to be more accepting of when change happens. I’m trying to regulate and rethink social media habits, and as usual, I’m trying to complete the sequel to Mystical Greenwood while promoting the new edition.
Rebecca Alasdair
These are some fantastic goals Andrew!! It’s so important to make space for unforeseen things (both good and bad). Developing some effective yet healthy social media habits is something I’m looking to do this year as well. Have a good one!! 😀
Andrew McDowell
Thanks, Rebecca.
Tomas
I wish you the best with your goals which seem like quite a lot. Hopefully, it’ll be a joyous journey full of imagination and relaxation.
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks Tomas! It’s a bit of an ambitious agenda for the year, but I like having something to strive for. All the best for your year ahead 😊
Ari
loving those goals! I am sure you will knock them out of the park! 🙂
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks Ari!! I hope you have a great year too 😊